The WNY Optics tournament was started by Diane and Ron Schulmerich in 2000. The first contact they had with the hospital was when their daughter Amanda spent the first 8 weeks of her life in 1984 in the neonatal department at the Golisano Childrens Hospital as a premature infant. She dropped down to 2.5lbs while there and eventually over time , with world class skill, compassion, professionalism and of course a lot of prayers, the hospital staff saved Amanda’s life. Amanda grew into a normal active little girl until 1995 when she was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma. It was discovered in the orbit of her left eye. It was inoperable, this was Amanda’s second encounter with GCH. Amanda spent the next 53 weeks on andoff going through an intense radiation and chemotherapy protocol at the Golisano Childrens Hospital. In those 53 weeks Amanda was never left unattended and received the utmost care and treatment through sunny summer days, family birthdays, Christmas and other holidays that most other children were enjoying at home with their families. While being treated at GCH the Schulmerichs discovered an entirely new family that consisted of the doctors, nurses, staff and other volunteers that make up the well oiled machine of GCH. The Schulmerich family eventually said farewell to the staff at GCH after 53 weeks and Amanda eventually returned to a normal life of a young teenager. The hospital saved Amanda’s life a second time.

The WNY Optics Golf Tournament was formed when Schulmerich family decided it was time to give back to GCH. Ron Schulmerich had experienced the comraderie and fellowship of the optics community first hand during Amanda’s stays in the hospital so it was only fitting that they organize a tournament comprised mostly of Rochester optics folks. The first tournament was held in 2000 and composed of 60 golfers on 15 teams and raised $560.00. So much fun was had that they decided to make the tournament and annual event (There was actually a hole in one scored that first year). Today the tournament is an annual event allowing optics and photonics organizations from around the world to gather in Rochester for the day of golf and fun. The WNY Optics tournament continues to grow with attendance by more than 300 people from 90 companies. To date we have raised $170,000.00 and are on the way and committed to raising enough money to name a room in the new Golisano Children's hospital, currently under construction.

SHADOW PINES IS FULL!!! There are still some spots open on Shadow Lake